astronaut

[as-truh-nawt, -not] / ˈæs trəˌnɔt, -ˌnɒt /

NOUN

space explorer

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cosmonaut pilot

WEAK

moonwalker rocket scientist rocketeer space person star person

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We also saw the debut of Poetic Kinetics’ “Escape Velocity,” a.k.a. the Coachella astronaut, and the mirrored “Reflection Fields” by Phillip K. Smith among the festival’s major art installations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The iconic photograph taken by astronaut William Anders captured the bright blue Earth against the vast darkness of space, with the Moon's cratered surface in the foreground.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

Former astronaut Charlie Duke, who walked on the Moon in 1972 as part of the Apollo 16 mission, gave the ceremonial wakeup call to the crew.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

And from the Orion capsule, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said the crew was "feeling pretty good up here on our way to the Moon".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

If she couldn't be the top astronaut candidate, Jackie decided she would be in charge.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson